Christmas Social Event

Blessed recognition for NI trees
22 June 2017

The Woodland Trust is urging tree lovers to stump up nominations for Northern Ireland’s Tree of the Year 2017 (via The Woodland Trust)

The competition is open to any living and loved tree in the UK; with Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales each having its own contest. Any individual,
group or organisation can enter through the Woodland Trust’s website until 30 July.

Actor and Woodland Trust supporter Brian Blessed is lending his powerful voice to the contest. He said: “We want to hear about the most impressive, unusual and knobbly specimens – a bit like me!

“After all, trees are more than just a bit of greenery; they are intriguing characters that have become a beloved part of our landscape and history. They deserve to be celebrated and cherished.

“It reminds me of a Pamela Tennant poem: ‘But at night do you believe they’re trees? They’re little old men with twisted knees’!”

Each country’s winning tree will benefit from a tree care award of up to
£1,000. The carefully tailored package could be used for pruning or professional advice; it could even support a community event in celebration of the tree.

Last year’s competition saw ‘Old Homer’, a holm oak in Rostrevor’s Kilbroney Park,
capture hearts and minds to take the Northern Ireland crown. The charity now hopes to find a rightful successor.

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, added:
“Tree of the Year brings a wonderful opportunity for individuals and communities to nominate and share their best–loved trees. We’re looking for a tree with a story, legend,
historical significance, or one which is a local landmark. Our aim is to draw attention to our country’s amazing trees, giving them the recognition they deserve.